Experts Caution Against Games' Domestic Spectators
With just over a month before the Olympics, Japanese health experts say allowing locals into the stands may not be desirable given the coronavirus pandemic.
Government advisory panel chief Omi Shigeru said, "We believe that holding the Games without an audience in the venues is the most desirable option to minimize infection risks."
Omi and 25 other experts submitted their viewpoint to Tokyo Games organizers and the government on Friday.
They warn new infection cases could increase in July and August even if the vaccine rollout continues smoothly across Japan.
They also note more transmissible variants could speed up the spread of infection.
The proposal recommends stricter restrictions than currently in place if domestic spectators are allowed into event venues.
The experts say attendees should be limited to local residents to discourage the flow of people across prefectural borders.
They add the government and organizers should ban spectators if there are any signs of infections increasing.
The head of the organizing committee says the cap will be decided in line with the government's guideline on large-scale events. Officials plan to ease the capacity limit from 5,000 to 10,000 next month.
Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said, "The situation is changing day to day. We will continue to analyze data while keeping in mind that, depending on the situation, we may have to ban spectators."
Hashimoto said Olympic and government officials plan to make the final decision on domestic spectators on Monday.
The organizing committee says 53,000 people, excluding athletes, will attend the Olympics and Paralympics.
That's 25,000 less than last month's estimate.
3,400 people associated with the IOC or IPC, known as the Olympic and Paralympic families, are part of the cut.